On December 2, 2025, the Interim Massachusetts Secretary of Transportation (MassDOT) and MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng issued a formal letter to local and state officials in Reading, announcing a significant shift in the long-discussed Reading Station Turnback Track project. The letter confirms that the MBTA has rescinded its Notice of Intent (NOI) for the proposed Vine Street site and will no longer pursue that location for turnback infrastructure.

Town Manager Matt Kraunelis is excited to announce that S&P Global Ratings (S&P) assigned its 'AAA' rating to Reading for its $75.425 million series 2025 general obligation (GO) municipal-purpose loan bonds. This is the highest quality bond rating for municipalities, and one the Town has held for more than a decade.

Reading families can once again share in a beloved holiday tradition as Reading Recreation launches its annual Letters to Santa program. Children are invited to drop off their custom letters to Santa Claus at the North Pole Express Mailbox, located just inside the Reading Recreation Office on the lower level of Town Hall.

Mark your calendar to come together as a community and celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Monday, January 19, 2026.

Our creative community is strongest when many voices are heard. If you feel inspired, please consider submitting your own work to The Reading Observer.

Whitelam Books and Chabad of Wakefield are excited to welcome you to a Hanukkah Story Time and Craft. Join Mrs. Devora Brook of Chabad of Wakefield for a fun Hanukkah-themed event, Sunday, December 7 at 3:30PM.

The Reading Food Pantry is extending heartfelt thanks to the community after an extraordinary outpouring of generosity throughout November. With increased need across the region, donations made a meaningful difference for neighbors facing difficult times - and Pantry volunteers say they are deeply grateful for every contribution.

With snow in the forecast for late Tuesday into early Wednesday, the Reading Police Department has announced that the overnight street parking ban will be in effect from 1:00 am to 6:00 am on December 3 - if snow falls.

Hundreds of residents gathered on the Reading Town Common on Sunday, November 30, to enjoy an afternoon of festive fun with neighbors ahead of the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The Women’s League of Reading (WLR) is excited to announce the launch of its Annual Holiday Homes Town-Wide Exterior Decorating Contest and Fundraiser, kicking off November 28, 2025. This festive community tradition invites Reading residents to decorate the exterior of their homes in their most creative and spirited holiday displays—all in support of the local non-profit Mission of Deeds.

Join Reading's Jewish community, neighbors, and friends for the 4th Annual Community Menorah Lighting on Sunday December 14 on the Reading Town Common.

The Reading-North Reading Chamber of Commerce will host the Reading Tree Lighting on the Town Common  on Sunday, November 3 from 2 – 4:30 PM in Downtown Reading.

Calendar is available free of charge at select community locations beginning on November 26 

Every poet has a beginning, and for Richard Perry, this poem was the spark. What started as a single moment of inspiration has blosssomed into nearly 300 poems composed over the last four years. We’re honored to present the piece that lit the fuse.

The Town of Reading invites you to help shape the future of Walkers Brook Drive. We will share project updates, potential design alternatives, and next steps. Your input is key to guide this phase.

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Highway Division has announced that it will host a Virtual Design Public Hearing to present plans for major safety and accessibility improvements along Oakland Road near Reading Memorial High School and Arthur W. Coolidge Middle School.

Nomination papers for the following elected positions are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office.

The Town has recently been notified that its emergency alert system, CodeRED, is down due to a cyber-attack on the vendor system. This outage is nationwide.

Bring your holiday spirit and join the festivities—sip cocoa, savor cookies, and let the magic of “A Christmas Carol” warm your heart!

This event is a wonderful holiday marketplace featuring approximately 50 craft vendors exhibiting and selling their creations. The RMHS Main Street hallway will be transformed with seasonal decorations and musical performances throughout the day.